Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo has told striker Daniel Sturridge that he will get his chance to start up front for Chelsea soon.

Sturridge, who in previous seasons has primarily been deployed in wide positions, has urged the manager to play him as a striker alongside Fernando Torres this season.

To date the England forward's outings up front have been limited. Sturridge is yet to start a game for Chelsea this season and played just nine minutes of Saturday's goalless draw with QPR.

But Di Matteo assured Sturridge that his time will come, courtesy of Chelsea's heavy fixture list.

"We're now on a run of seven matches in 21 days so there is time for everybody to play," Di Matteo said.

"Daniel needs to play more minutes to show his qualities. But, as long as he keeps training well, he will get the opportunities to show his qualities. That's the way forward and he'll get his chances."